Developers hoping to build 50 new homes on a school playing field have argued its development will sustain education opportunities in the area for the future.
Deanfield Homes submitted plans to build on part of the playing field of Chiltern Edge School in Reades Lane, Sonning Common, in November last year.
The school is attended by pupils from the village, the surrounding area, Caversham and Reading.
The project would see 2.5 hectares of playing field built on, with 20 of the new homes being designated affordable.
A spokesperson for Deanfield Homes said: “The forthcoming development on surplus playing fields adjacent to Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge School is the result of close collaboration between Deanfield Homes, South Oxfordshire District Council, Sport England, Sonning Common Parish Council, the school and local community stakeholders.
“The site is allocated for development in the Sonning Common Neighbourhood plan.
“It will provide 50 much-needed new homes, including a 40 per cent allocation for affordable housing and key worker properties, alongside improvements to local infrastructure. The local community has been aware of plans to build on the site since 2016, when a referendum on the Neighbourhood Plan received an overwhelming 94 per cent in support.
“At a time when many rural schools face growing pressures, this planning application has been developed with great care and sensitivity.
“It aims to bring essential investment into the school while respecting the needs of local residents and protecting the surrounding environment.”
The spokesperson also argued that the project will assist in the expansion of Bishopswood Special School, which is also located in Sonning Common.
The school caters for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The spokesperson said: “The development enables the expansion of Bishopswood School, creating much-needed specialist SEND school places for the region. It also supports substantial improvements at Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge, with investment helping to make facilities more inclusive and accessible for all pupils.”
You can view the application by typing reference P24/S3629/FUL into South Oxfordshire council’s planning portal.
Deanfield Homes has also stated the development will support new sports facilities for Chiltern Edge.
The spokesperson said: “A linked planning application by Maiden Erlegh Trust has also been submitted to provide replacement community sports facilities.
“Financial contributions by Deanfield Homes will help support a Gen2 multi-use games area (MUGA) a new activity hub at Memorial Park and a 3G pitch at Rotherfield United Football Club.
“The land in question has been unused for many years.
“This development brings it back into purposeful use while keeping green buffers intact to protect the character of the area.
“We look forward to creating a high-quality development of modern, sustainable homes, designed to reflect the character of the local area, which will bring significant benefits to both new residents and the wider community.”
You can view the application for the sports facilities by typing reference P24/S3635/FUL into the council’s planning portal.
